No comments about Emergency War Surgery.

5 comments about The Welcoming Garden.

1. The tradition in the United States has been to have a fairly plain front yard and to put the emphasis on the back yard. If we think of the front yard at all, it's usually pretty bland. The chairs, the table, the fountain go in the back yard.
   
   This book kind of turns that around. Here are gardens for the front of the house. Maybe that's where the view is, maybe you just want guests to feel welcome, maybe you don't have a back yard, maybe you just want the house to be a nice from the front as the back.
   
   Gordon Hayward is an expert in garden design. Here he concentrates on the front yard. He features many of his own designs as well as designs from all around the country.
   
   The book is broken into ten chapters that cover all aspects of designing a garden for the front yard. It begins with a discussion on style and then has a chapter on each major component such as driveways, walkways, the strip between the sidewalk and the street and so on.
   
   Each of these chapters is beautifully illustrated with full color photographs. The result is a raft of ideas that you might use as you create your own design.



2. "The new American garden means living and walking among plants, following a path from driveway to front door among ornamental grasses and Russian sage, talking with friends under apple and cherry trees at the front of the house." ~Gordon Hayward
   
   Gordon Hayward's ideas can be incorporated into any style of garden. If you have a walkway to the front door or need to manage an especially large lawn, his ideas will create a beautiful nurturing space you will love coming home to.
   
   The book is organized in a step-by-step design. You can see the complete design from a landscaper's viewpoint and then see the finished beauty in pictures. Some of the features include:
   
   An Old Weathered House with a Cottage Garden
   A Home Completely Surrounded by a Garden
   A Small Garden around Big Front Steps
   A Garden Running Straight to the Front Door (cover picture)
   Sidewalk Garden
   A Generous Sitting Area in a Small Front Garden
   A Sunny Organic Garden
   
   Each idea also has a special section of "Design Principles." The author explains the pictures so you gain a sense of how a designer thinks when planning out a new yard. There are many ideas to love and there is a good balance of creativity and practical solutions.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



3. This is a decent edition, though I can't say it improves on Hayward's Your House, Your Garden or others in the field. The quality of the illustrations really varies, and some locations are redundant to YHYG. I was looking for advice about replacing my front lawn and wish I'd found more here. My top picks for garden design remain Natural Gardening in Small Spaces, by Noel Kingsbury; Front Yard Gardens, by Liz Primeau; and the Piet Oudolf books.



4. This book was everything my "much better half" had hoped for - she's delighted!



5. This book is a decent guide to front-yard gardens, and I liked a lot of the photographs. One thing that really annoyed me, though, were the little diagrams/layout pictures in each chapter; they seemed to have no correlation with the photos. It was as if the photos were of real gardens but the diagrams were hypothetical. Personally, I love it when a house or garden design book has correlating photos and "floorplans" (or whatever you call it for a garden); it really helps me visualize the jump from 2-D to 3-D, especially in terms of scale. This book has the photos, and has the 'floorplans', but they don't correspond. Other than that, it is a nice, solid idea book for the front garden.

5 comments about Construction Spanish (en inglés y español).

1. Those folks in the construction business, will find that the author has compiled an enormous listing of useful words, terms and phrases into a handy "shirt pocket" sized format, thus making it easy to use on the job. This book should be sold at every Home Depot in the country!



2. This book is very helpful on the job, figuring out construction terms English vs.Spanish. Not comprehensive, but it's charm is it is a pocket size, so it's really at hand when needed. Also, for those with little Spanish, it has enough common words that sometimes the English speaker can find help for the words that need to go with the construction term. I work with construction teams of volunteers in Spanish speaking areas, and I recommend all such teams have a copy of this book.
   --Tom Mitchell



3. I bought this book because I wanted to round out my overall knowledge of Spanish. What I found was a very handy book. I mean this literally: it's a very tiny book that you can easily carry around in your back pocket.
   
   Right up front, the author says "This is not written in textbook Spanish, but it is Spanish used on the job." I would concur. Mr. Scott shows his jobsite experience in the last phrase in the book: "No soy de la migra" ("I am not from immigration"). The only real downside is that there are some questionable translations and some Spanglish - "aguantar" instead of "sostener", "ahorrar" instead of "guardar", "concreto" instead of what I believe is the (sometimes) more proper "hormigon", etc. (To his credit, he translates "hold this" as "agarre esto" instead of "coja esto", which may get you smirks.) But I am sure the people would understand what you mean.
   
   There is also no information on the hardest part of Spanish: conjugating verbs. But as I tell people, you can probably get by in most any language with only pronouns, the infinitive, and forget the articles and gender. "Usted recoger herramientas, pongalo aqui" sounds pretty "Me Tarzan-You Jane"-ish ("Pick up the tools, put them here", literally "You to pick up tools, put it here") but it gets the idea across. As you can see, some verbs are conjugated in at least the imperative - although the book's a bit inconsistent between formal and informal.
   
   As another reviewer mentioned, some words that would be useful are missing - such as concrete related terms (screed and footing, though trowels are included) - but that's to be expected: no book can include everything. With the number of Latino concrete workers, though, it may be useful to include some in the next revision.
   
   All in all, it's a very good little book, and you can't beat either the portability or the price. Although you definitely can't use it to learn Spanish (try "Dicho y Hecho", along with "Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish" if you're serious), you can certainly use it to pick up important words you will need on the jobsite, and I highly recommend it for anybody who either needs a bit of Spanish on the job or would like to round out their general Spanish knowledge with some work-related terminology.



4. If you are a construction professional and have Spanish speaking workers, this is the best book for the money. If you have this book and learn the phrase "c?mo se dice-pronounced(como say dee-say)" or "how is it said?", you can rule the Latin American world-in construction... I have found every word I've needed for construction in this book, except in a few rare instances. If it's not in here, I say c?mo se dice?, hold up the item and write the word in the book. This book also translates in both directions, so I purchased the book for my regular Spanish speaking crew and now they are learning the words in English. There are also helpful phrases and words not used in construction per se, but are used on the job like anatomy parts for when your worker smashes a finger, nails their hand to the roof, or something like that. I am very satisfied with this book. If you're not, you should set higher goals for yourself like taking a professional Spanish language course. If you need to get work done and don't have time to learn an entirely new language, this book will take care of your Spanish language issues.



5. This was just what we were looking for. The only suggestion is that it be published in a waterproof/sweatproof edition (out on the jobsite in a pocket it gets pretty damp).

1 comments about Mejoras para el hogar 1-2-3: consejos expertos del Home Depot.

1. This was a gift to a friend. He loves it and it has been helpful with his understanding of household repair. Very good.

3 comments about Bathroom Remodeling for Dummies.

1. If you are kinda handy around the house but worried about diving into a full tear down remodel, this is a good book to buy. You will either decide to go ahead with confidence, or bow out, or at least know when you should call in a contractor to take care of the plumbing and electric. Worth every penny.



2. The book performed as expected . . . .that is why I bought it. Theses books are designed to help the average person with a skill set needed to perform a necessary task. I read several great ideas and tips remodeling my bathroom - from installing a toilet bowel, sink and tub, to laying the tile and electrical. Recommended!



3. This book assumes that I'm going to do it myself. I expected information about what I need to know to hire someone because that's what the description says. Instead, I got a book detailing exactly how to install a faucet, lay a floor and so on. If I had any intention of doing it myself, this book might be useful. However, if I was going to do it myself, I would probably find this book to be too basic. I own far too many books about renovating my house and this one was the worst for me.

No comments about 2006 International Existing Building Code.

2 comments about Flea Market Finds: Before and After (Leisure Arts #15916).

1. Flea Market Finds: Before and After.
   A great book for those who have things that they can makeower.
   Many idees and very fine pictures.
   I love it



2. This little treasure will have you looking at cast off items with a more resouceful eye. Many of these items would not get a second glance but the author has found interesting ways to repurpose flea market or discarded items. The project on the front cover is an example of a creative way to use those small side boards once part of old dining room sets. I am a fan of stripes, so the small dressers done in wide stripes has great appeal as well as a playful side. The techniques suggested can be applied to a variety of objects not just the ones illustrated in the book. I can't wait to go out this week end and rescue some unloved objects and give them a new lease on life. Undoubtedly this book is a great find...one of the best for sparking new ideas for those low on cash but high on imagination.

5 comments about Changing Your Child's Heart: Parenting Tools to Change Your Child's Attitude.

1. This book is so head-and-shoulders above all the rest, that I would call it virtually the ONLY helpful child-rearing book I've ever read (and I've read more child-rearing books than anyone else I've ever met). Most current child-rearing books and classes teach this namby-pamby "better communication," "love them more" stuff, which for most of us was never our problem in the first place, and it doesn't even touch the heart of the issue. This book teaches that our children's ATTITUDE is the most important issue. It gives a progression of tools for dealing with their attitudes, from setting expectations, to logical consequences, to assigning work, and more. It gets to a sort of "tough love for younger ages" approach, which is what so many of the shockingly rude and spoiled children in our present society (and their misled, abused parents) need so desperately. I can't recommend this book highly enough!



2. "The goal of discipline is a warm, harmonious relationship with our children." That statement alone has altered my perspective of how parenting ought to look and has freed me from forever trying to control my son (and losing my mind--and temper). Steve has helped teach me how to go after what really matters--my child's heart; his attitude. I am learning how to stay connected with my son through the conflict and to celebrate together when his heart is right, when harmony is restored. I can't imagine trying to do it any other way now.



3. There are other people who are doing the same sort of thing Steve Sherbondy does -- James Dobson, Gary Smalley and John Rosemond. While they all have good ideas (go ahead and read their books) but none is specific, and many a clueless parent needs to start with a script, showing EXACTLY what to say and do in specific situations. Steve gives you the script. He alone seems to consider what to do next when the last brilliant discipline idea just didn't work. And besides having experience with his family and children of clients as the others do, he has worked with some hardcore delinquents as a houseparent. There is is philosophical and scriptural discussion as you might expect but the core is practical step by step instruction in how instill a right attitude.



4. As a conservative, I'm not much for government doing much of anything. However, if the government actually wants to do something worthwhile, it could give this book to every new parent. And give Gary Smalley's book "If Only He Knew" to every new husband. This would do more good than almost anything else.



5. Steve Sherbondy's insight into child-rearing is shallow. His counseling methods on the other hand have become "an unattended fire" and he is under investigation by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. He is no longer practicing needless to say.

5 comments about Mortgage-Free!: Radical Strategies for Home Ownership (Real Goods Solar Living Book).

1. As a novice to the idea of mortgage-free home ownership, I found this book very inspiring and enpowering. As one of the other reviewers stated, this is not a book for your typical American consumer. But, if you're ready to step out of that lifestyle towards financial freedom, read this book. It is practical and easy/fun to read. I liked the personal testimonies and the different resources Rob Roy suggests throughout.
   
   For other inspiring ideas, stories, and photos check out "Homework-Handbuilt Shelter" by Lloyd Kahn.



2. Mr. Roy's book is a great primer on thinking about different strategies for owning a home that don't involve the normal process. The book is primarily based on the idea that if one can or wants to live a life outside of the consumerist norm then it is possible to own a home. Primarily, he advocates that the person who wants to own a home and not spend the next thirty years of their lives as an indentured servent to the bank that they should do as much work as they can themselves. Anyone who is interested or willing to do the work in building or renovating a home, has a low income, wants to maintain a simple life but doesn't know where to start will find this book has useful ideas to get you started. Those who desire to live in the best neighborhoods, are uninterested or unwilling to do the work on their own home, or not likely to accept a simple lifestyle will likely scoff at the notions this book presents.
   
   The main thrust of this book advocates that people choose not to participate in the suburban "keeping up with the Jones's" lifestyle. For some this may be a revolutionary idea. This, of course, is not a new idea but is not one that is commonly embraced by Western civilization. For those that are already outside of the consumerist mainstream this book will probably not cover any new ground. He does provide a sensible arguement against the "death-pledge" (the Old French etymology for "mortgage"). There are a great many people that believe that the only way they can ever own a house is through the 30 year loan route. Mr. Roy makes a case that if one has the desire, discipline and patience that they can own a home without going to the bank to get a loan.
   
   The book provides a general set of strategies that are primarily useful in rural area. The author recommends that one lives a simple lifestyle, builds on land that would not be considered particularly valuable by others, the home is built by the owner using as many salvaged (inexpensive but high quality) materials as possible, and that the builder reduces as many living cost as possible. One example of cost reduction is the use of some sort of temporary structure on the property while the home is being built in order to reduce or eliminate the cost of renting or paying on a mortgage in another home.
   
   The book provides a good overview of methods that have been used to achieve home ownership in rural areas. It does address the idea of the same sort of idea in urban areas by saying that it's not bloody likely. This reviewer tends to agree with that but others may have differing opinions.



3. So I was reading today our of "Mortgage-free, radical strategies for home ownership." I like the book, the author gives a pretty round view on ways you can get away with doing exactly what the title tells you. Almost all of his ideas start out with you gathering up a grubstake and buying a piece of land - which is okay, but I can't even afford the land I want, so that's a bit of a problem for me. Perhaps I should think more modularly and buy a small piece and acquire more adjacent to it when I have more cash.
   
   Anyhow, today he discussed underground homes. That was an interesting subject - basically this is just taking house berming to the maximum and setting your house down so far that once you backfill around the home, the roof is still enough below the original grade that you can plant a living roof - or just cover the damn thing with dirt and let biology ensue, with native plants reclaiming the disturbed environment. Very low environmental footprint - great way to hide from spyplanes and helicopters, but does require some industrial strength digging to get down to to where you need to be, and we've already noted that digging like taht costs money and what's more its not a remote-friendly technology. But, if you had an underground home with a masonry stove you'd be pretty set for whatever the weather could throw at you and I would expect the dwelling to last quite a long time indeed.
   
   He also stressed the importance of being fluid, or rather the foolishness of planning what type of home you want before you've acquired your homesite. So much of what type of home, building technique, power source and siting is dependent upon your homesite and its ammenities, topography, harvestable and recyclable resources that really doing any kind of planning before you're onsite is likely to be more of a hindrance then a help when it comes to getting the best house for your situation. This was something I was already thinking (it is how I've been trained to look at gardening and orcharding: live with the land for a year before planting to find where the plants should go) but it was nice to see it written out elegantly by the author.
   
   I still think I'm leaning towards a strawbale or cordwood dwelling. Cordwood could actually be reasonably remote-friendly and is easier than building a log cabin by a long site. Really you're just going to have to get your cement in - you can handsaw the cordwood rounds for the walls and move them about easily enough. I think I should start small, and get a small piece of land and build a little living shed on it and see what I can do. Like the book says - its better to use the same technique and screw up on a small dwelling at a cost of $500, than on the main house at a cost of $5000.
   
   I'm learning a lot - and I feel the book was definitely worth the purchase price already.
   
   Dominic Ebacher
   ebacherdom.blogspot.com



4. Very encouraging to know that it can be done. Rob gives a lot of useful info on how live mortgage free. My husband and I are going to do it!



5. Let's face it. It is the American dream -- having no mortgage and owning the property that you have. The book describes how to live within your means and being happy. Other urban places that people pay millions of dollars for a condo might find their busy lives as something to live for, but an equal amount of unhappy people in urban places are committing suicide because they don't know how to get out of the hole. Buying land cheap, building a cabin, and living in it is the best way to go, especially with cheap wireless Internet these days.
   
   Other recommended titles that helped me purchase land cheaply:
   Investing Without Losing (ISBN: 0978834607 NOT on amazn, on other stores)

5 comments about Secrets Of Lock Picking.

1. I have 20 years experience as a Locksmith. Hampton has absolutely no clue about picking locks, and his book is a fairy tale. The man does not even know the names of the parts of the locks! He gives instructions for making lockpicks,that will take you hours to make, that can be bought for less than $2.00. If he was a real locksmith, why doesn't he buy them from a locksmith supply house? Why is he so concerned about secretive lockpicking? Locksmiths don't have any reason to be secretive-The customer is standing next to them while they pick the lock.
   The guy is a slick operator who is out to sell books to gullible people;if you pick any lock at all after reading this book, you have been EXTREMELY lucky.



2. Steve Hampton writes with a nice and easy conversational style and leads the reader through the basic tools and locks. And along the way he offers his advice on this or that. For example, Hampton's favorite tool is the diamond pick. He also likes to make tools from everyday items. On page 18 he shows how to pick a five-pin tumbler lock with a modified screw driver and a safety pin. My favorite tools are the Magic Keys which Hampton shows on pages 34 and 35. I sometimes astonish my friends with how fast I can open their warded locks without a key. This little book has a lot of secrets, but if you read it, they won't be secrets anymore



3. Steve Hampton writes with a nice and easy conversational style and leads the reader through the basic tools and locks. And along the way he offers his advice on this or that. For example, Hampton's favorite tool is the diamond pick.He also likes to make tools from everyday items. On page 18 he shows how to pick a five-pin tumbler lock with a modified screw driver and a safety pin. My favorite tools are the Magic Keys which Hampton shows on pages 34 and 35. I sometimes astonish my friends with how fast I can open their warded locks without a key. This little book has a lot of secrets on lockpicking that won't be secrets anymore to anyone who reads it.



4. This book is the very bare bones basics of common lock type overviews and theories on how to open them. After purchasing it I found other websites out there that had published this book on the net. Book can be read in an hour or so, save your money or search it on the web.



5. Excellent book. Easy to understand and accurate. This book will teach you not only how to work with improvised lock picks but also includes instructions and diagrams to build your own. There's no confusing jargon, and the accompanying illustrations are phenominal in their ability to illustrate the point and back the written instructions perfectly. This is a great referance for the aspiring locksmith. Want to get into lock picking but don't know how? BUY THIS BOOK!